GDA Action November 2011

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2011ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2011

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AA Anesthesia, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13ADS South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Atlanta Age Management Medicine /

Dr. Ana Casas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Dental Data Pros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

EC Price General Contractors, Inc. . . . . . . . . .16Elite Dentistry—Dr. Ruth Clemans . . . . . . . . . .24GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . .25Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry . . . .29Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .32Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . . . .22LCA Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .26Louisiana Dental Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Officite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6PDQ Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .21Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .29Professional Practice Management . . . . . . . . .27Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

index of advertisers

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication ofthe Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200,Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are(404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org.

Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publicationmonth. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for thenewsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paidat Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Jonathan Dubin Delaine HallGDA Editor GDA Managing Editor2970 Clairmont Rd 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NESuite 195 Suite 200, Building 17Atlanta, GA 30329 Atlanta, GA 30328

2011-2012 Georgia Dental Association Officers Michael O. Vernon, DMD, PresidentSidney R. Tourial, DDS, President ElectMarshall H. Mann, DDS, Vice PresidentJames B. Hall III, DDS, MS, Secretary/TreasurerJonathan S. Dubin, DMD, Editor

GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members

Martha S. Phillips, Executive Director

Nelda Greene, MBA, Associate Executive Director

Delaine Hall, Director of Communications

Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS)

Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services

Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager

Judy Lively, Administrative Assistant (PT)

Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel

Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS)

Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager

Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant

Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant

Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance

GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current mattersaffecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished throughdisseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary.

© Copyright 2011 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publicationof any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of theopinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reservesthe right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

8 Dentist’s Electronic Health RecordsQuestions Answered

11 GDA Members Take Part in ADA Annual Session Activities

12 ADA President Raymond GistAddresses Georgia Legislators

20 Alliance Hosts Socials to Gain ClinicVolunteers and Members

22 Is Your Online Reputation at Risk?

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

7 News and Views

10 Calendar of Events

25 Classifieds

30 Breaking the Mold

Over the last year, GDA member Dr. CristiCheek converted her dental practiceinto one that is virtually paperless. Afterovercoming an initial fear of leaving behindher sticky notes and ballpoint pen jottings,she discovered that becoming paperlesshas led to increased staff efficiency, moreusable practice space, and improvedtreatment planning capabilities. Readabout the steps she took starting onpage 16.

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2011ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2011

other features sections

on the cover

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

ACTION

V O L U M E 3 1 , N U M B E R 1 1 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as anendorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries,committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the

advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes anauthorized statement that such approval or endorsement hasbeen granted.

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4 GDA ACTIONNOVEMBER 2011

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Just after I returned from the AmericanDental Association (ADA) Annual Session,which was held in Las Vegas in October, Ireviewed what topics concerned the dele-gates, and what resolutions we debated andpassed. I was energized by the direction wetook and the voices I heard supporting theprofession.

Just a few short years ago my reflectionswere not as satisfying. The tenor of thedelegates was very troublesome to me. TheADA seemed to be at a crossroads about whowe were and what we did. Access to care wasthe catch phrase being thrown about, andnot one clear voice was heard about thedirection we should take. Delegatesoffered opinions as to whether there was ashortage of dentists or just a distributionproblem. Certain foundations held theopinion that they knew the answers to oralhealth care questions in the USA. From allappearances, the former executive director ofthe ADA was pushing his own agenda.

What a difference a couple of years havemade. We have an executive director whoseeks direction from the newly-formed will ofADA dentists. This will was forged from thevoices of reason deeply rooted in a number ofstate delegations from around the nation.Clearer heads prevailed and clearerthoughts were articulated. ‘Only a Dentist’was the slogan brandished by this year’s ADApresident Bill Calnon. The context is that‘only a dentist’ is sufficiently educated andtrained enough to offer a well-educatedpatient diagnosis, and ‘only a dentist’ issufficiently trained and knowledgeableenough to manage a patient’s health and per-form surgical and irreversible procedures inthis country. And everyone in this country isworthy of receiving that standard of care.American dental care is the gold standardof care.

One example of the ADA’s new-foundwill finding its voice took place during adebate over the Commission on Dental

Accreditation, or CODA, and its decision toagree to look at setting standards for dentaltherapists educated in Minnesota. (CODA isan ADA agency but makes accreditationdecisions independently from the ADA.) Aunified voice arose from delegates across thecountry—CODA, do not lower standards foror devalue the dental profession. Do notdefine a scope of practice for Minnesota’sdental therapist graduates that enables theseindividuals to diagnose or perform surgical orirreversible procedures. Only a dentist.

The ADA spoke loudly. Let CODA listen.On the last day of the ADA session, the

ADA House overwhelming passed a resolu-tion to explore ways to attract dentists intounderserved areas and to help reduce thedebt of dental graduates. That is a start at areal effort to provide the highest quality oforal health care to all areas of the USA.

I as an ADA delegate, your GDA delega-tion as a whole, and the ADA all take our rolesas the caretakers of the nation’s oral healthseriously. United, we can ensure that oralhealth is maintained at the highest ofstandards and advanced with integrity.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

5GDA ACTIONNOVEMBER 2011

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

editorialperspective

“We must educate

consumers as to

how to better care

for their health, but

is it not of even

more importance

to teach them the

value? If we cannot

change their

mindset on value,

how can we expect

the statistics

to change?”

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The ADA House of Delegates electedDr. Robert Faiella of Massachusetts as2011-12 ADA president elect on October13. In two other races, Dr. KennethVersman of Colorado was elected secondvice president, and Dr. Thomas Soliday ofMaryland was re-elected speaker of theHouse, a post he has held since firstbeing elected in 2002.

In addition to his work as an ADATrustee, Dr. Faiella has served on the ADACouncil on Dental Benefit Programs, theADA National Healthcare InformationInfrastructure Task Force, and the ADAEssential Oral Health Care Needs TaskForce. He is a past president of theMassachusetts Dental Society, formergeneral chair of the Yankee DentalCongress, and former consultant to theMDS Council on Government Affairs.(www.ada.org)

Gov. Nathan Deal headlined an illustriouslineup of speakers who helped GeorgiaHealth Sciences University celebrate thegrand opening of the College of DentalMedicine’s new clinical and office buildingon Sept. 30. Thank you to Dr. JonathanDubin for taking these images of 1) Gov.Deal addressing invited guests at the grandopening, 2) Sun reflecting off the windows

of the LEED-certified dental building, 3)Guests Dr. Jimmy and Wendy Cassidy withson and Class of 2013 student JimmyCassidy, and 4) A patient operatory withinthe clinical facility.

The American Dental Association hasgiven the GDA its 8th Golden AppleAward for its Law, Ethics and ProfessionalismProgram (LEAP). LEAP is a one day,seven-hour course given one or two timesper year to raise consciousness andstimulate conversation about ethics in thedental profession.

All members of the dental team arewelcome to attend the course. In fact,because of the valuable information thecourse imparts to attendees, the GeorgiaBoard of Dentistry frequently directs den-tists and dental hygienists about whomthey have received complaints to attend.

The GDA wishes to thank the dedi-cated individuals who make the LEAPprogram so outstanding. Twice a year, Drs.Jim Reynierson, Joe Dufresne, DougTorbush, and Gary Bartholomew, as well asGDA Dental Recovery Network DirectorJane Walter, Associate Executive DirectorNelda Greene, and General CounselMelana McClatchey, teach the LEAPcourse. The award-winning course is con-ducted in segments:

• Dr. Dufresne, the GDA EthicsChairman, discusses the process ofapplying the ADA Principles of Ethicsand Code of Professional Conduct toclinical decision-making. He teachesdentists and dental hygienists to notonly identify ethical dilemmas in practicebut to empower them to apply theADA’s five fundamental Principles ofEthics to those circumstances to reachan appropriate resolution.

generalnews

ADANew Leaders

GHSUGrand Opening

GDAGolden Apple

NEWSContinued on page 9

Dr. Robert Faiella was elected by theADA House of Delegates as ADAPresident Elect on October 13. He isa periodontist in Massachusetts.Photo: EZ Event Photography.

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The Georgia Department of Community Health recently

began coordinating with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services to begin implementation of the Medicaid

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program in the

state. All “Eligible Medicaid Professionals,” including dentists,

who meet certain criteria can register to participate in the

Medicaid EHR Incentives Program and possibly receive up to

$63,750 over six years for participation in the program.

Since that announcement, several member dentists have

called the GDA office with EHR and electronic claims ques-

tions. Here are a handful of the most frequently asked ques-

tions, along with answers from the American Dental

Association’s “Dental Practice Hub” web site link that GDA

dentists should find helpful.

Email Courtney Layfield at [email protected] if your

office has additional questions. Dentists may also visit

www.ada.org (search for Dental Practice Hub),

www.dch.georgia.gov/ehr, or www.healthit.gov for more

information.

Q: When will electronic health records(EHR) be required for dentists?

A: According to the American Dental Association, there is

no fixed deadline for the vast majority of dentists to switch to

electronic health records. The exception is those dentists

who bill Medicare for patient services. For Medicare (not

Medicaid) dentists, starting in 2015, reimbursement

rates will be affected if a dental office has not demonstrated

‘meaningful use’ of EHRs.

Q: What is the definition of “Meaningful Use”?

A: Meaningful use refers to the set of criteria developed by

the federal government to measure an eligible professional’s

use of EHRs to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of

patient care. One example: Using the EHR to electronically

send prescriptions to pharmacies. Another criterion is the

use of the EHR to report clinical quality measures; however,

clinical quality measures have not yet been established for

dentistry.

Q: Will EHR usage impact how a dentaloffice is reimbursed by third party payers?

A: For traditional billing arrangements, dentists will see no

impact on reimbursement. For the relatively small number of

dentists who bill Medicare for patient treatment, there will be

reductions in Medicare payments to providers who do not

adopt EHRs starting in 2015.

Q: Will dentists be required to reportdiagnostic codes on electronic claims?

A: Diagnostic codes let third party payers know why a

procedure was performed. While diagnostic codes have

never been required for submitting dental insurance claims,

they have been required for medical claims for many years.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, the updated version of

the American Dental Association’s dental electronic claim

form will include a field to report diagnostic codes. Dentists

will not have to use diagnostic codes for typical dental claims.

However, some insurance companies may cover services

that will require reporting of a diagnosis code (ICD-9-CM)

when specific dental procedures may minimize some health

risks associated with a systemic condition. For example,

some payers cover a third cleaning per benefit year when a

patient is pregnant. Dentists, work with your software vendor

to ensure that your system will flag these specific claims and

auto-populate the record with the appropriate diagnosis

code. A revision of ICD-9-CM, dubbed ICD-10, will be used

beginning October 1, 2013.

Electronic Health Records: Dentist Questions Answered

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• Drs. Reynierson or Torbush focus onconcrete ethical scenarios facing dentalprofessionals. Eleven ethics scenarios areread, contemplated, and discussed afterthe participants are divided into smallgroups. Creating a forum where colleaguescan openly reflect on complicated ethicalissues they face in everyday practicehelps to foster sound judgment and setsthe groundwork for implementation of theCode of Ethics in today’s dental practices.

• Ms. McClatchey reviews the laws andregulations which govern the dentalprofession. Attendees are also remindedthat while an action may be lawful, it maystill be unethical.

• Ms. Walter and Dr. Bartholomewaddress stress, stress management, andchemical dependency in the dental pro-fession, and remind attendees of theavailability of confidential help throughthe GDA Dental Recovery Network.

Since the inception of the LEAPProgram in 2004, 280 dentists and dentalhygienists have attended the course. Asnoted in the Introduction of the ADAPrinciples of Ethics and Code of ProfessionalConduct, the dental profession holds a specialposition of trust within society. As a result,the profession enjoys certain privileges thatare not necessarily available to members ofthe public-at-large. Because of this trustedposition, the GDA has made a pledge tothe patients of Georgia to promoteachievement of the highest level of dentalethics and professional conduct and has receivedrecognition for its efforts. This course isjust one of the ways that the GDA and itsmember dentists help foster adherence toethical standards to ensure the public’scontinued trust in the dental profession.

Using teeth extracted from skeletons morethan 700 years old, scientists havesequenced the entire genome of the Black

Death plague that killed 50 millionEuropeans in the 14th century.

It is the first time scientists have beenable to draft a reconstructed genome of anypathogen older than 100 years or so, and theeffort could lead to a better understandingof modern infectious diseases.

The team identified that a specificvariant of the Yersinia pestis bacterium wasresponsible for the Black Death.

“The genomic data show that thisbacterial strain, or variant, is the ancestorof all modern plagues we have todayworldwide. Every outbreak across theglobe today stems from a descendant ofthe medieval plague,” says Hendrik Poinarof McMaster University.

The team analyzed skeletal remainsfrom victims buried in the East Smithfieldplague pits in London, located underwhat is now the Royal Mint. By targetingpromising specimens from the dental pulpof five bodies, they were able to extract,purify, and enrich specifically for thepathogen’s DNA. (www.tgdaily.com)

NEWSContinued from page 7

TEETHBlack Death DNA

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Dec 2 (Fri): Atlanta Dental StudyGroup Winter Meeting, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

Dec 6 (Tue): Northern District (Hall County) Legislative Reception,Chattahoochee Country Club, 6-9PM.Rescheduled from Dec. 1.

Dec 7 (Wed): Northwestern DistrictLegislative Reception, Clarence BrownCenter, Cartersville.

Dec 8 (Thu): Southeastern DistrictLegislative Reception, Harper-FowlkesHouse, Savannah.

Dec 14 (Wed): Northern DistrictLegislative Reception, Druid Hills Golf Club, 6-8PM.

Dec 23 (Fri): GDA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday.

Dec 26 (Mon): GDA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday.

Dec 30 (Fri): GDA Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday.

Jan 2 (Mon): GDA Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday.

Jan 6 (Fri): GDIS and GDHC BoardMeetings, GDA Office.

Jan 7 (Sat): GDA Board of Trustees /Finance / Nominating Meetings, GDA Office.

Jan 8 (Sun): GDA Winter House of Delegates Meeting.

Jan 9 (Mon): Opening Day, GeorgiaLegislative Session.

Jan 11 (Wed): Northern District CE Meeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Jan 13 (Fri): Southwestern DistrictMeeting—GDA Officer Visit, UGA Center, Tifton.

Jan 20 (Fri): Southeastern DistrictMeeting—GDA Officer Visit.

Jan 23 (Mon): Northern DistrictExecutive Council, GDA Office,Atlanta.

Jan 25 (Wed): LAW Day—GHSUDental Students.

Feb 3 (Fri): Give Kids a Smile Day.

Feb 8 (Wed): LAW Day—EasternDistrict / Northern District Southern Branch.

Feb 9 (Thu): Northern District CEMeeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Feb 15 (Wed): LAW Day—Central District.

Feb 22 (Wed): LAW Day—WesternDistrict / Northern District Eastern and Central Branches.

Feb 29 (Wed): LAW Day—Northwestern District.

Mar 7 (Wed): LAW Day—Southeastern District, Ga DentalSociety, N. Ga Dental Society.

Mar 14 (Wed): LAW Day—NorthernDistrict Northern Branch.

Mar 21 (Wed): LAW Day—Southwestern District.

Mar 22-24 (Thu-Sat): Hinman DentalSociety Meeting, Atlanta.

Mar 26 (Mon): Northern DistrictExecutive Council, GDA Office,Atlanta.

Mar 28 (Wed): LAW Day—Alliance,Northern District Hall County.

Mar 30-31 (Fri-Sat): ADA MembershipConference, Chicago.

Apr 10-14 (Wed-Sat): Alliance of the ADA Spring Conference, StoneMountain.

Apr 18 (Wed): Northern District CEMeeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Apr 21 (Sat): GDA Board of TrusteesMeeting, Atlanta.

Apr 26-29 (Thu-Sun): GHSUHomecoming Festivities.

May 3-6 (Thu-Sun): Ga. Academy ofDental Practice Meeting, Ponte Vedra.

May 7-9 (Mon-Wed): ADA WashingtonLeadership Conference, Chicago.

May 21 (Mon): Northern DistrictExecutive Council, GDA Office,Atlanta.

May 28 (Mon): GDA Office Closed forMemorial Day Holiday.

Q: Why is LegislativeOpening Day a Big Deal?

A: GDA and Alliance volunteers visitthe Capitol in Atlanta annually on the firstday of the legislative session to distributedental kits to legislators and legislativestaff. The governor typically proclaimsthis first day as Dental Health Day. Thisis a fun tradition that doubles as a chanceto get dental issues in front of the legisla-tors first thing during the session. Allmembers are invited to take part onJanuary 9, 2012. Email [email protected] times and details.

Q: What is a GDA LAW Day?

A: An award-winning GDA advocacyactivity. Pick a date (your district date oranother), contact Nelda Greene at theGDA Office at (800) 432-4357 [email protected], and then show upin Atlanta. Enjoy breakfast, an issuesoverview, and then visit the Capitol tospeak with legislators about dental issues.

Q: What is the AllianceSpring Conference?

A: The Alliance of the American DentalAssociation will hold its nationaleducational conference in April 2012 inStone Mountain. The meeting provideschances for dentists and spouses to learnabout dental health education, dentalfamily well being, and legislativeadvocacy. Dentist CE will be available.Visit www.allianceada.org for details.

Upcoming Dental Events


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2010-2011 American Dental Association(ADA) President Dr. Raymond Gist was aspecial guest at the Georgia LegislativeBlack Caucus event held in Savannah inSeptember. State Senator and dentist Dr.Lester Jackson, a member of the Caucus’host committee, invited Dr. Gist andGovernor Nathan Deal, among severalother luminaries, to address Georgia’sAfrican American legislators during theCaucus weekend and discover commonground on several issues.

Dr. Gist was asked to specificallyaddress the issue of community waterfluoridation and misconceptions about thepublic health benefit in many AfricanAmerican communities. Some anti-fluori-dation advocacy groups have targetedthese communities with strong messages

that minority children and youth are at amuch higher risk of fluorosis and serioussystemic health issues due to communitywater fluoridation. This message has beenstrengthened because an array of respectedAfrican American leaders, includingformer U.N. Ambassador and AtlantaMayor Andrew Young, have called for arepeal of mandatory fluoridation laws.

“I would give Dr. Gist a strong Agrade,” said Savannah dentist Dr. BillyJamerson, who introduced Dr. Gist at theCaucus meeting where he spoke. “Hismessage was well received. We had a goodturnout of GDA dentists from our district,and leaders from the Georgia DentalSociety and North Georgia Dental Society,so his message touched influential dentistsand community leaders who can carry his

message onward.”“I thought Dr. Gist did an effective

job of relating community water fluoridationto the accepted practice of fortifying cere-als in the name of good public health sci-ence,” said Savannah dentist Dr. FelixMaher, who provided photographs of theevent to the GDA. “It was a privilege anda pleasure to have Dr. Gist visit Savannahand build bridges.”

Excerpts from Dr. Gist’s speechappear below. His full speech may befound at www.gadental.org.

“We [the ADA] are educators and advocates.We are committed to the highest of ethicalstandards in the dental profession, andbelieve that our status as trusted healthprofessionals clarifies that we place the

ADA President Gist Lauds Fluoride in Speech to Georgia Legislators


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greater good of our patients and our com-munities ahead of personal interests.

“The ADA is well aware that anti-fluoridationgroups—like the Lillie Center, located inEllijay, Georgia—have appealed to civilrights leaders to join their cause to discon-tinue community water fluoridationthroughout America. They have claimedthat because African Americans suffer dis-proportionately from kidney disease anddiabetes, that fluoridated water unfairlyand negatively impacts the community.

“The best available scientific evidenceindicates that individuals with chronic kid-ney disease or diabetes can consume opti-mally fluoridated water without negativehealth consequences.

“Furthermore, in 2008, following a reviewof the available science, the NationalKidney Foundation released a paper onfluoride intake and kidney disease. In thatpaper, which is available on their Web site,they state that there is no consistent evidencethat the retention of fluoride in people withadvanced stages of chronic kidney disease,

who consume optimally fluoridated drinkingwater, results in any negative health conse-quences. Compared to other nutrientintakes, fluoride is a secondary concern.

“This is also true for diabetics who sufferfrom unchecked oral infection due tountreated tooth decay and periodontal, orgum disease. From research conducted bythe National Institute of Dental andCraniofacial Research with AmericanIndians—who have the highest rate of dia-betes of any minority—we know that treat-ing and eliminating oral infection signifi-cantly improves a diabetic’s overall health.

“Another allegation is that adding fluorideto community water is equivalent toforcibly medicating people. Fortifyingwater with fluoride to prevent tooth decayis similar to fortifying salt with iodine toprevent thyroid problems, or milk withvitamin D to prevent rickets. Additionally,many of you are familiar with the 1996government mandate that cereals and

PRESIDENT GISTContinued on page 14

“Before fluoridation, the typical

school child developed three

to four new cavities each year.

Today, many people simply

do not have that type of decay

burden—thanks in large part

to the role fluoridation plays

in preventing decay. We

must not lose sight of the

remarkable progress that has

been made. No one wants to

return to an era of rampant

tooth decay.”

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grains be fortified with folic acid toprevent birth defects.

“Community water fluoridation is not aTuskegee experiment. As the vast majorityof public health experts agree, it is the sin-gle most effective and impactful publichealth measure of this century. It is not tar-geted solely to the African American com-munity. Fluoridation has been institutedbecause the underlying problem of dentaldisease is widespread, the disease burdenis distributed unfairly, the evidence of pre-ventive intervention is strong, and alterna-tive strategies are not reaching those whoneed them the most. It is the most unbi-ased approach in America to ensuring thatall of our citizens have the same level ofprevention.

“The only known risk associated withdrinking fluoridated water is the milderforms of enamel fluorosis, which arecharacterized by white spots or streaks inteeth. These spots are not readilyapparent to the casual observer and haveno effect on tooth function. It is true thatfluorosis has increased in this country,even in non-fluoridated communities.This is due in large part to the fact thatAmericans are now getting fluoride frommultiple sources, including water, fluoridesupplements and the ingestion of fluoridetoothpaste.

“It is true that minority populations havemore fluorosis than other populations.We do not know the reason for thisphenomenon, and research concerningthis matter is continuing. The ADA, alongwith the CDC and other federal healthagencies, has tracked fluorosis trends formany years. After confirming the data, wejoined the government earlier this year insupporting their recommendation that allareas of the country should use one level to

fluoridate drinking water—0.7 ppm. Thatlevel was chosen to retain the oral healthbenefits of fluoridation while at the sametime helping to reduce the potential forenamel fluorosis.

“Research published in 2009 reports thatmolars with fluorosis are more resistant totooth decay than molars without fluorosis.At the end of the day, would you rather seeyour child with a few, often difficult to

PRESIDENT GISTContinued from page 13

(L to r): Dr. Robert Simmons of Hinesville, Dr. Billy Jamerson of Savannah, Sen. LesterJackson, DDS, of Savannah, Dr. Alda Underwood-Hall of Atlanta, ADA President Dr.Raymond Gist, Dr. Carole Hanes of GHSU in Augusta, Southeastern District PresidentDr. Jay McCaslin VI of Savannah, Dr. Don Nelson of Savannah, Dr. Tom Broderick ofSavannah, and Dr. Ann Linton of Savannah. Photo: Dr. Felix Maher (of Savannah).

“Research published in 2009 reports that molars with fluorosis are more resistant to tooth

decay than molars without fluorosis. At the end of the day, would you rather see your child

with a few, often difficult to identify, white spots on their teeth, or die of a brain abscess

resulting from an untreated tooth infection, like 11 year-old Deamonte Driver did two years

ago? His death is a national disgrace—and it is incumbent upon all of us to prevent

these tragedies. Our society deserves the best dental care available, and community water

fluoridation, which is cost effective and safe, is one solution that should continue to be

offered throughout the country.”

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identify, white spots on their teeth, or dieof a brain abscess resulting from anuntreated tooth infection, like 11 year-oldDeamonte Driver did two years ago? Hisdeath is a national disgrace—and it isincumbent upon all of us to prevent thesetragedies. Our society deserves the bestdental care available, and communitywater fluoridation, which is costeffective and safe, is one solution thatshould continue to be offered throughoutthe country.

“Some have said that they don’t opposefluoride, but think that it should beapplied in a dentist’s office. While fluoridevarnish has been proven to be effective,the ADA does not believe this approach ispractical, or will have the greatest decaypreventive effect in the communitieswhere it is needed most. For children,ages six years or older, 75 percent of toothdecay in permanent teeth was found in 33percent of their population, primarily lowincome. Fluoride varnishes applied in adental office require two to four appoint-ments each year. Many low income par-ents don’t have the means to leave theirjobs and take their children out of schoolto meet these obligations.

“Before fluoridation, the typical school-child developed three to four new cavitieseach year. Today, many people simply donot have that type of decay burden—thanks in large part to the role fluoridationplays in preventing decay. We must notlose sight of the remarkable progress thathas been made. No one wants to return toan era of rampant tooth decay. We mustshare the benefits of good oral health withall of our citizens, not just those withthe means to access preventive androutine care.

“Maintaining existing fluoridated watersupplies, and encouraging the expansionof new ones, is an important component ofthis strategy. Discontinuing waterfluoridation would be akin to withholdingtreatment, and could lead to the corrosionof lives, children being robbed of other-wise bright futures, and the aggravation ofchronic and expensive-to-treat medicalconditions.”

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Last year, our dental practice completedthe process of becoming “paperless.” Atfirst I wondered why we should convert topaperless charting. I knew it was the“techie” thing to do, and I try to maintaina modern practice, but I am also a hugefan of sticky notes and often writereminders in bold letters inside my patientcharts. How would jotting notes andreminders work in a completely computer-ized system?

As it turns out, the process hasincreased our efficiency, boosted ourusable practice space, and even improvedour treatment planning capabilities.

The Benefits We’ve Identified

Better Communication: After changingto a paperless system, we are now muchmore effective in communicating perti-nent information about our patients toeach other, and our data is less likely to bemissing or go unnoticed. I can read chartsfrom a computer in my office withoutactually having to pull them from the files,and there is much less chance of a chartbecoming lost. Because the charts arealways at their fingertips, my front deskemployees are more efficient and organ-ized, and they can generate reports thatshow unscheduled treatment so that thosepatients can be called.

Increased Space: I love that we gainedmore office space! We were able toremove the rows of charts that occupiedthe front desk area (which also improvedour office image) and there are no morecharts on my operatory counters. Wereplaced our film x-rays with digital a fewyears before but still had an analogpanoramic machine. I decided to upgradeto a digital pan and gained a new storagecloset as we did away with the darkroom.That upgrade also meant no more messychemicals or having to clean the processor.

More Detailed Imaging: We can applyfilters to our digital images to enlarge ordarken them so that pathology is more vis-

ible. We can instantly see whether animage is accurate, and take another imagewithin seconds if it is not. I have even hadimmediate phone consultations with spe-cialists to whom I can email an image andget their opinions on treatment for apatient who is waiting in the operatory.

Improved Treatment Planning: Withcomputerized treatment planning, we canattach a note to each procedure explainingwhy we recommend a procedure or addinformation that we want to rememberwhen we do the treatment. I often typenotes about why a crown or filling wastreatment-planned and can even tag notesthat will “pop up” on the screen when thepatient chart is opened reminding me thata patient should be pre-medicated or thathe can’t tolerate epinephrine in his injec-tions. We also use the pop-ups to remindus to ask patients about personal informa-tion mentioned at their last appointment

such as how their husband’s recent surgerywent or details about their daughter’s wed-ding. This certainly has aided us in build-ing rapport with our patients andimproved our internal marketing—ourbest source of advertising.

The Steps We Took to Go PaperlessIf you are contemplating transitioningyour practice to one that is paperless, hereare some of the basic steps you can take:

• Put a computer in every hygiene opera-tory and one in every doctor operatorythat both you and the assistant canaccess. (I actually put two in each ofmine.) Be sure that they have the rightspecifications for running your practicesoftware. I prefer to have one monitoraccessible for patient education.

How Your Dental Office Can Become PaperlessCristi Y. Cheek, DMD

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• Purchase a digital x-ray system that fullyintegrates with your practice software.(We use Dexis which is owned byDentrix.) I now despise receiving film x-rays from patients transferring fromother offices as I find them not nearly asdiagnostically desirable.

• Have a plan to convert all the data thatyou typically write in your charts into adigital format, and locate where eachcomponent of the paper chart will nowbe in your computerized chart. Thisincludes treatment notes, perio charting,treatment plans, medical history, specialistreferrals, and prescriptions.

• Purchase a color scanner for inputting allprevious paper data, and even some nec-essary new data like letters from special-ists who have yet to go paperless, intoyour patient files. The scanner shouldbe solely dedicated to scanning. The“combo” copier, scanner, and faxmachines are much too slow in myopinion.

• Organize your scanned data. We usedthe “document center” in our practicesoftware and set up separate file cate-gories for medical history, letters fromspecialists, perio charts, treatment notes,and the like so that we could find infor-mation easily. Though it takes muchlonger to scan information into separatefolders, if you simply scan everything andput it in one lump in each patient’s file, itlater becomes very difficult to locateinformation when needed.

We chose to scan only the files of allpatients who were scheduled for theupcoming week rather than take on allthe charts at once. Therefore, it took usabout six months of recall appointmentsto transform our paper charts into elec-tronic data. Some offices schedule timeoutside of their normal workday or evenhire extra help to scan the charts so thatthis process is completed sooner, but wefound our method to be sufficient, and itwas fairly easy and stress-free.

• Set up intra-office email so that you andyour staff can communicate without theneed for notes which can become lostunder the stack of papers on your desk.

• Buy an intraoral camera—preferably onethat integrates with your practicesoftware so that the images taken willautomatically be stored in the samelocation as your x-rays. My camera, whichI was able to purchase at a discountwith my Dexis digital x-ray system, hasbeen invaluable in improving caseacceptance and also has been usefulin gaining insurance company approvalfor procedures.

• Have an online back-up system (we useMozyPro). Before you choose a companyfor this service, be sure to research whetherthey have the ability to support servers,since some do not. We actually did havea “crash” shortly after our transition (butnot because of the transition) and wereable to restore all our data that same day.

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• Have your front desk employees processinsurance claims and send statementselectronically. You’ll get your moneyfaster! Even though there is a fee for thisservice, you’ll save more on staff time,envelopes, and stamps.

• Hire a shredding service. Our shreddingcompany gave us a 2’ x 2’ metal, slotted,lockable box into which we can insert allof our paper documents containingpatient information. When the box isfull, they will shred everything in it for$45. We also receive a certificate withproof of proper disposal.

Wait—I’m OverwhelmedBy Those Steps!Before I started the admittedly complexprocess outlined above, I was fortunate tohave hired an office manager who hadworked in a paperless office, and I hadbeen smart enough 10 years earlier tomarry a man with 20 years of experience ininformation technology. They encouragedme to make the change and proved to beinvaluable in our conversion.

If you don’t have those types ofresources close at hand, or do not feelcomfortable tackling the steps on yourown, I suggest working with a reliableinformation technology professional toimplement changes in your office. Thisprofessional could be your current computeror software vendor, or another reliablethird party. The key is to have a resourcethat helps you create a functional practicesystem, not just someone who will sell youhardware or software and promises. Youneed someone who can at the minimum:

• Be upfront about the full costs involvedin your conversion and subsequent ITupgrades. You may need to even consid-er remodeling or re-configuring parts ofyour practice to accept certain types orwiring or accommodate monitors.

• Help you plan for fully compatible hard-ware and software systems throughoutthe office that fit the needs and goals ofyour practice, patients, and team.

• Put the proper safeguards in place toprotect your patients’ privacy and backup your data.

More About Formulatingan Upgrade BudgetIf you do decide to transition your practiceinto one that is paperless, you need to for-mulate a technology budget for futureupgrades. Typically, computers need to beupgraded every four years or so. As youaccumulate more data and as your practicemanagement software is updated, the sys-tem that may have been the latest andgreatest four or five years ago now may betoo slow and inefficient or may not workwith some of the software changes at all.

If you already have computers, butthey are a few years old, you will probablyneed to update them. Older computerstypically do not have the proper videocards needed for viewing radiographs andimages and may be too slow to support allthe incoming data. Also, monitors pur-chased more than three years ago will like-ly need to be replaced to view x-rays withthe best diagnostic clarity.

We See PaperlessCreating a Ripple EffectAfter becoming paperless, we decided tomake a few more “high tech” changes inhow we do business. We now fill out andsend our lab prescriptions electronically.We attached a camera to the top of thefront desk computer screen and take aphoto of every patient so that we have theirpicture in the chart. We added a servicecalled Demandforce that confirms ourpatients for us using email and text mes-saging. This service also offers each patientthe opportunity to complete an electronicsurvey so that they can provide feedbackafter each visit. We use this feedback toimprove the way we care for our patients.We also use the information in our externalmarketing efforts by placing our patients’comments on the Internet (with their priorapproval).

There are varying degrees of “paper-less.” We still have our patients fill outmedical history forms and then we scanthem into their digital charts. However,there are systems that allow patients toenter their data electronically and capturedigital signatures. If you are going to makethe paperless transition, you need to know

your practice software well. That probablymeans you need some additional stafftraining. Even though we had been usingthe latest version of our dental software,we found during training that there weremodules we weren’t fully utilizing.

ConclusionTransitioning to a paperless practice hasdefinitely been one of my smartest invest-ments and has made our practice moreefficient, our data more detailed, and ouroffice communication sharper than ever.Just remember that converting paper datato digital requires advance planning and isa process—not an immediate change.Whether you decide to make the conver-sion now or in the future, I believe becom-ing paperless will be inevitable in order tokeep up with the constant changes in tech-nology.

Dr. Cristi Cheek is a general dentistpracticing in Marietta. The MedicalCollege of Georgia School of Dentistryalumni is a Clarkesville, Georgia, nativewho received her undergraduateeducation from Mercer University. Theproducts and services mentioned in thisarticle were added by the GDA editors toprovide additional information for Actionreaders. No company or organizationprovided any compensation or benefitto Dr. Cheek or the GDA for any mentionof any product or service. You can readmore about Dr. Cheek’s paperlesspractice at www.cheekdental.com.

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Your Alliance of the Georgia DentalAssociation (Alliance) dental spouses’organization built great dental studentrelationships and raised funds for charita-ble dental clinics in early fall. Thanks to allGDA members whose spouses are mem-bers, and whose dues helped support ourefforts.

Student Spouse Alliance Members Mix and Mingle with GDA MembersThe annual Alliance Student Spouse get-together took place in September at thebeautiful Augusta home of Drs. Connieand Dick Drisko. The GHSU dental deanhas hosted this amazing event since itsinception. Approximately 80 students andspouses attended this Southern-themedevening, where Alliance members andtheir dental spouses made a special effortto talk up the benefits of GDA andAlliance membership.

During his induction speech onOctober 13, new ADA President Dr. BillCalnon addressed membership and men-toring. He said brochures won’t do thetrick—we need to informally bond withstudents and young dentists to demon-strate the value of the ADA. I felt like wedid just that in Augusta. The earliestimpressions these Georgia students andtheir spouses are forming are of involvedGDA and Alliance dentists and spousestaking an interest in them and communi-cating valuable benefits!

Wine and Cheese Social Recruits Clinic VolunteersAlliance member Stephanie Brunner andher husband Dr. Mark Brunner hosted awine and cheese social in September atThe Borghese in Buckhead. The event wasa huge success! Attendees learned aboutvolunteer opportunities for dentists andtheir spouses at Atlanta area charitable

dental clinics. Following presentations byour inspiring volunteer dentists and clinicrepresentatives, everyone participated in awine tasting. This educational event wasled by certified wine educator Lisa Allenwho is the owner and chief wine officer ofBig Boat Wine Company. Lisa generouslydonated her usual speaking fee to the BenMassell and Hebron dental clinics! Therewas a delicious array of appetizers provid-ed by Alliance members to go along withwine sampling, and everyone left com-pletely satiated!

Mark Your Calendars forUpcoming Alliance Events

• The annual Alliance Holiday Party willtake place on Saturday, December 3, atthe Ansley Golf Club.

• All Alliance members and dentists areinvited to attend the opening day ofthe legislative session at the StateCapitol on January 9, 2012. We will

Alliance Hosts Events to Boost Clinic Volunteerism and MembershipHelaine SugarmanAlliance of the GDA President

(L to r): Alliance Treasurer Fran Brown,President Helaine Sugarman, PamPafford, and Stephanie Brunner are pic-tured at the Wine and Cheese Social theAlliance held to educate dentists andspouses about volunteer opportunitiesat Atlanta charitable clinics.

More than 80 GHSU dental students and their spouses enjoyed GDA and Alliancehospitality in September at the home of Dental Dean Connie Drisko. GDA PresidentMike Vernon and Alliance President Helaine Sugarman were among the GDA guestswho mingled with the students.

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distribute dental kits to all legislators andlegislative staff.

• Our Valentine Brunch and Social willtake place February 13, 2012, at 10:30a.m. Visit www.gadental.org and checkthe Alliance calendar for more detailscloser to the event.

• Our Alliance LAW Day is March 28,2012, at the Capitol. Encourage yourspouse to take part in this amazingevent. Email Nelda Greene [email protected] if you and / or yourspouse can attend.

• April 10-14, 2012, is when the Allianceof the ADA Leadership Conferencewill be held in Stone Mountain. Therewill be continuing education courses fordentists, and fellowship and educationalopportunities for spouses. Seewww.allianceada.org for details.

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You will never have control over whatpatients are saying about you online, butyou do have complete control of the storyyou create about your practice on theInternet. To start, you need to establishyour own online presence with a profes-sional web site, the foundation from whichall of your patient communications andmarketing initiatives should extend.

Monitor MentionsOnce you’ve launched your practice website, the first step to an enhanced onlineimage is to continually monitor mentionsof your practice on the Internet. Forstarters, simply perform a search for yourname or practice name on major Internetsearch engines, such as Google, Yahoo!,and Bing.

You can also set up automated alertsfor your practice. Any time your practice ismentioned online—good or bad—anemail can alert you with any and all rele-vant information. Google Alerts is a freeservice that provides automated notifica-tion by email or web feed about the latestinformation appearing online that matchesthe searches you have set up. Users canconfigure the frequency of automatedsearch notifications—from ‘as it happens’to ‘once a day’ to ‘once a week’.

If you don’t have a Google accountalready you must set one up to use GoogleAlerts, but that is a relatively painless step.Google Alerts are useful for providingautomated searches and notifications in awide variety of areas, including monitoringonline references to your business, track-ing news about a specific industry, andeven seeing what other dental offices aredoing.

Verify Your Google Place PageNot long ago Google made a few minor,but important, changes to its local searchfunction. Now only businesses with a phys-ical location in the town searched can dis-play in the result listings. This ensures thatsearchers are only receiving the most rele-

vant results for the keywords they aresearching, such as dentist Atlanta.

Dentists need to claim their GooglePlace Page to ensure a top, verified posi-tion in search results. This shows Googlethat your practice is in fact where and whatyou say it is which is weighed favorably interms of your ranking position. Businessowners can add or update business detailsthrough the Local Business Center withina Google account. This allows you to makesure your Place Page reflects the mostaccurate, authoritative, and recent infor-mation about your business.

Generate Positive,Natural ReviewsMore and more, individuals seek outonline reviews before choosing a dentist. Adental marketing expert like Officite canhelp you implement a solution that allows

your patients to review your practice rightin your office. If a patient has had a posi-tive experience in your office, ask them tospread the word on review sites such asYelp.com.

If a dentist has a mobile-compatibleweb site, patients can also be shown howthey can easily review your practice fromtheir mobile phone as well.

For the less tech-savvy patient, den-tists can also offer an out-of-office solutionwhich includes step-by-step instructioncards that walk the patient through a quickreview process from their home computers.

Remember, the more reviews yourpractice gets, the more likely you are to getone or more bad reviews. Even if you areproviding the best product or service youcan, some people will tend to complain.So, your goal should be a large number ofmostly good reviews. Generate 5 or 10new positive online reviews each month,

Is Your Online Reputation at Risk?By GDA Endorsed Provider Officite

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and over the course of a year, you will havegenerated enough positive patient reviewsto negate any damaging reviews that mayappear.

Your patients are talking about youonline. Take responsibility for yourreputation, starting with creating aprofessional web site. A professionaldental web site and Internet marketingorganization can help you monitor yourpractice online, claim your Google PlacePage, and generate quality, natural reviewsfor an enhanced reputation and increasedappointments.

Building a successful web presence is easywhen you team with an expert in webdesign and online marketing for healthcare professionals. The GDA and Officitehave partnered together to offer profes-sional web site development and Internetmarketing at a special price just for mem-bers. Visit the Endorsed Services page atwww.gadental.org for details.

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Dental Related Services

X-RAY SAFETY CERTIFICATION forassistants is required by Georgia law.This up-to-date take-home course haseffectively certified thousands of x-raymachine operators. Send $149.99 per reg-istrant with name(s) to: Dr. Rick Waters,385 Pinewood Circle, Athens, GA 30606.Visit www.gaxray.com for credit card pay-ment or to use the immediate-accessonline version. Call (706) 255-4499 formore information.

For sale: 3 Dexis Dex Boxes—$299.00;Zoom Light II—$350.00; Nobel ImplantPackage—Make best offer. Email: [email protected].

For sale: Planmeca PM2002, Proline Pan/ Ceph, and Orthopantomograph DP100by Instrumenturiam; both approximately10 years old. Sold as is. No warranty.Willing to sell at low cost. Other smallerdental armamentarium available as well.Please call (912) 764-6737.

Dentist retiring after 52 years and allacquired equipment in storage mustbe liquidated. Equipment includes: den-tal units, upright and lounge chairs, x-raycompressor, central vacuum, andAmerican dental cabinets. Instrumentsfrom all areas of dentistry including pros-thetic and laboratory. Call (770) 934-1373.

Dentists Available for Locum Tenens

Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, orcontinuing education. Licensed, insured,and DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or [email protected].

Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentistavailable during vacations, emergencies,and CE courses. Leave your practice inwell-trained hands. I am licensed, insured,and have a DEA registration number so Ican write prescriptions. Call Dr. RichardPatrick at (770) 993-8838.

DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In?Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERALDENTIST SOLD LONG ESTAB-LISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEALICENSED. (Available Expanded AtlantaArea.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404)842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS.

Dentist available during emergencies,vacation, CDE courses. I have a currentlicense, DEA certificate, and insurance.Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706)802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you.Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.

classified ads

How GDA members canplace classified ads

AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA ClassifiedAdvertisement Form. To obtain a form,call Skip Jones at (800) 432-4357 or (404)636-7553, or email [email protected].(Note: The GDA may accept or reject anyad for any reason and in its sole discretion.)

AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by thefirst of the month before the publicationmonth (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).

AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per60-word ad per month. There is a 25 centsper-word charge for each word over 60.Non-dentist-owned companies (real estatefirms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad permonth (additional word charges as above).Non-member dentists may notplace ads.

LATE FEE:Ads for which full prepayment is notreceived by the first day of the ad’spublication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for aNovember ad) will incur a $25 late fee inaddition to the ad rate.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the adform. (Make checks payable to GDA.)Credit cards are not accepted as payment.

WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Website www.gadental.org for the month thead appears in print. Non-prepaid ads willNOT be placed online.

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Positions Available

Georgia licensed dentists needed forimmediate openings in all areas ofGeorgia. Part-time or full-time. Startingsalary of $700 / day with equipment, sup-plies, assistant, and training provided. Ourcompany, Dynamic Mobile Dentistry, pro-vides on-site preventative, restorative,prosthetic, and surgical care for nursinghome residents in the nursing facilities.Call (478) 330-5038 or (478) 737-0552 oremail [email protected] for moreinformation and / or an interview.

Dentist Jobs Columbus / Albany /Macon / Valdosta. FT / PT base salaryover $100K per year with tremendouscommission and profit share upside. NoHMOs. Join our network of affiliated pri-vate family practices. Benefits includemedical, vacation, 401K. Call Dr. ToddChristie at (321) 432-5922 (confidential)or email [email protected] orfax (321) 254-6800.

Exceptional opportunity for PEDI-ATRIC / GENERAL DENTIST to joinour team at ASmile4U. We provide qualitycare to children age 1-21. Clinic locationsin East Point, Cartersville, and Hiram,Georgia. State of the art equipment andoffices. Excellent incentive packages. Jobrequirements: +1 year of experience andsolid track record. Current Georgia license/ DEA license / Liability Insurance / CPR.Email resume to [email protected].

Exceptional Opportunity for AssociateDentists. Join Dr. Mark Shurett’sAssociate Team to provide treatment tochildren throughout Georgia. Wellequipped and maintained offices.Positions include F/T, P/T, and LocumTenens. Multiple locations available.Friendly staff with no daily office / over-head challenges. Contact Tina Titshaw [email protected], call (678) 413-8130,or fax resume to (770) 760-1375.

Associate Dentist Buford—Sugar Hill.State of the Art digital practice in busyGwinnett County. Full-time. Fax resumeto (770) 945-1449 or call (770) 845-9159.

Busy Pediatric Practice seeking associ-ate, either pediatric dentist or general den-tist that specializes in children. Ownershippotential. High income area in West Cobbwith great growth. Please send CV to [email protected] or fax to (770)952-0199.

F / T Associate needed for well establishedNorth GA dental practice. [email protected] or fax to 1-(866)441-1860.

Fee for service private dental practiceis in need of a dentist in the Suwanee,Alpharetta, Johns Creek area. We areoffering an outstanding Part-Time tofuture Full-Time opportunity for a generaldentist who is looking for flexibility as wellas willing to work Fridays. The practicecurrently has one doctor working 4 days aweek and is looking to expand the busi-ness. Our practice offers the best ameni-ties to our patients as well as our team. Theoffice is completely digital and has recent-ly relocated to a new facility. If interested,please email CV to [email protected] orfax to (678) 922-7138.

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Full time general dentist needed towork two days in Marietta and 3 days inAcworth. Excellent opportunity for theright person. Great working environment,high tech office, nice and well trained staff.Please email resume to: [email protected].

Practices/Office Space Available

Milton / Crabapple: $1050 per month.1585 sq ft. 3 (4) ops. New leaseholdimprovements. Just add equipment.Excellent condition. Contact [email protected].

West Point: Nice fee for service practice.Consistent gross $750K + 3 1/2 day / wk.Attractive building in high traffic area nearWestpoint Lake. 4 very nicely equippedops. Area experiencing excellent growth butstill has a charming small town atmosphere.Boating, fishing, golf, Callaway Gardens,Auburn, Columbus, Lagrange nearby. Dr.retiring; will stay as needed for nice transferof patients. Call p.m. (334) 644-3865.

DENTAL OFFICE SPACE FORLEASE—Terrell Mill Road location inEast Marietta. Former Orthodontist’soffice. Suite of 2,443 SF consists of waitingroom, reception / office area, 2 privateexam rooms, conference room, privateoffice, kitchen, lab area, and 3 rest rooms.Open plan accommodates 5 chairs.Available now. Low rental rate. Forappointment call (770) 951-2155Richard Cope or Bill Mordecai.

DULUTH Beautiful practice for sale with3 operatories and an additional 2 plumbed.All FFS / PPO practice collected $315Klast year. Practice only open 3 days / weekand would make an excellent opportunityto grow a practice and make it your own.Real estate is also for sale. Asking price is$250K. For more information call (678)482-7305, email [email protected], or visit www.southeasttransi-tions.com.

TIRED OF THE RAT RACE? Well-established practice in the mountains forsale. Friendly patients who appreciatewhat you do for them. Motivated cross-trained staff. Modern equipment in abeautifully constructed high-image glassbuilding well located for public awareness.Computers in all operatories. Ideal for soloor group practice. 10,000 foot buildingavailable separately or package deal forboth building and practice. Growing com-munity. NO long commute and NO 8-lanefreeways. Excellent school system. Lowcrime rate. Tons of family / sportsman out-door recreational opportunities. Closeenough to larger towns to go to the mall,but far enough away to avoid all the bigcity hassles. (706) 745-6848.

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AVAILABLE: SNELLVILLE #8807—Dental office only; No patients. Fiveequipped ops. Ample parking Approx.1800 sq. ft. ATLANTA #8490—GrossCollections $1.08M; 4 days; 5 operatories.ATLANTA #8558—Gross Collections$785,966; 4 days; 6 operatories; 2,780 sq.ft. ATLANTA #8108—Gross collections$654,993; 4 days; 5 operatories; 2,200 sq.ft. office space. ATLANTA #8765—GrossCollections $1.45M; 4 days; 6 operatories;2,780 sq. ft. SOUTHEASTERN GEOR-GIA #8172—Gross collections $752,638; 4days; 5 operatories; 1,732 sq. ft. officespace. NW GEORGIA #8562—Gross col-lections $670,375; 4 days; 6 ops; 2,881 sq.ft. office space. Savannah Area #8779—Gross Collections $1.05M; 4 days; 5 oper-atories; 2660 sq. ft. office space. NORTHATLANTA #8804—Oral Surgery practicefor sale. ATLANTA PERIO #5241—Gross

Collections $1.32M, 3 days, 4 ops; 2400 sq.ft. office space; NORTH ATLANTAPERIO #5241—Associate needed for hightech perio practice. All phases of perioperformed. NW GA #8193—GrossCollections $480K, 4 days; 5 ops; 1800 sq.ft. office space. ATLANTA #8602—Motivated associate with all aspects of gen-eral dentistry including crown and bridge,restorative, oral surgery and molar rootcanals. For information, call Dr. EarlDouglas, (770) 664-1982 or [email protected].

***PRICE REDUCTION*** STONEMOUNTAIN: Well established practicecurrently open 4 days per week. This practiceis loaded with patients; accepts all insur-ance. Practice collects $600K per year. 7equipped operatories. Seller is retiring andflexible with transition plans. SELLERWOULD LIKE TO SELL BY YEAR-END. ASKING PRICE IS $200K. Formore information call (678) 482-7305,email [email protected], orvisit www.southeasttransitions.com.

***PRICE REDUCTION*** SHELLWITH EQUIPMENT / SNELLVILLE:3200 Sq ft, Busy strip Center, 8 fullyequipped ops, 2 Dr.’s offices, large busi-ness office, consult room, lab space, amplefree parking. No patients. Below marketrent in place. SELLER WOULD LIKETO SELL BY YEAR-END. ASKINGPRICE IS $115K. For more informationcall (678) 482-7305, email [email protected], or visit www.southeast-transitions.com.

***PRICE REDUCTION*** ATLANTA:Beautiful practice for sale in Buckhead,Atlanta. Four equipped operatories withall new equipment. Call or email fordetails. SELLER WOULD LIKE TOSELL BY YEAR END. ASKINGPRICE IS $225K. For more informationcall (678) 482-7305, email [email protected], or visit www.southeast-transitions.com.

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breaking the mold

If you ever have a chance to view an oilpainting exhibition by Smyrna generaldentist Dr. Kristin Cooney, look out for thefairies hiding in the cookies. Now that themother of triplets is carving out time toexplore her creative side, she thrives oncombining her life-long love of art with asense of whimsy.

“I’ve always been interested in art,”said the University of Alabama dentalschool alum. “In college, I always madetime in my pre-med schedule to take regu-lar art classes. But as most dentists know,in dental school there is absolutely no timefor anything other than school work. So asa dental student, I put my love of paintingon hold for a few years.”

Once Dr. Cooney obtained her dentaldegree and moved to Atlanta, she waseager to start painting again.

“I took a lot of classes at the AtlantaCollege of Art at The High Museum,” shesaid. “That was such a great creativerelease especially after the rigorous cur-riculum of dental school.”

Dr. Cooney’s painting hobby wasplaced mostly on hold again six years agowhen she gave birth to triplets Maggie,Erin, and Matthew. However, now that thebright-eyed trio has started first grade, Dr.Cooney is finally feeling that she canpursue painting again.

“With three six-year olds at home, Ihave to make an effort to carve out time topaint,” she said. “It’s something that I haveto do without interruption or ‘help’ frommy little artists. My weekly goal is to dedi-cate three to four hours to painting. I havea studio in the house that is a ‘no-kid’ zone.I also take a weekly art class on my day off.Just like dentistry, there is always some-thing else to learn!”

Even when alone in her studio, Dr.Cooney finds herself inspired by the joyand imagination of her children. “Their playfulnature is something I love to incorporateinto my paintings,” she said. “I try to injecteven my most serious paintings with a hintof playfulness and whimsy. For example, Imay paint a picture of a beautifully

appointed room with silk draperies andexquisite white sofas but be sure to add alittle hint that a child has been there. Atable set for a formal tea party might havea little fairy hiding among the cookies.”

The dedicated dentist-artist has yearsof creative experience, but Dr. Cooney hasonly recently begun to exhibit her work. “Itmay sound odd but the thought of partingwith a piece that I’ve put so much ofmyself into is a little scary,” she said. “ButI was part of the Village Art Show atMonfort’s Fine Art Gallery this summer,and being active in the Alpha Arts Guild inAlpharetta has also helped me to branchout and exhibit pieces in that area of town.I have applied to a few juried art showsthroughout Atlanta, and I’ve made a few ofmy originals and prints available on etsy.com,a web site that promoted artists andcrafters. That has allowed me to reachpeople all over the world. Another recentendeavor, my personal web sitewww.kristincooneystudio.com, is alwayschanging as I update it with new paintings.”

Dr. Cooney also donated a painting todecorate the new dental building on theAugusta campus of Georgia Health SciencesUniversity. “I hope the canvas will helpbring a cheery mood to their clinic,” she said.

Always interested in stretching herselfas an artist, Dr. Cooney has set a goal for2012 to tackle portraiture. “It’s a hugechallenge,” she said. “Capturing thehuman face on canvas is as complex asdoing a set of beautiful veneers.”

While Dr. Cooney adores her detail-oriented profession, she also values thecolorful, casual painting style she has culti-vated. “When I paint, the colors reflect mymood and overall happiness,” she said. “Ihave a lot of joy in every aspect of my life!”

Jam-Packed Life Inspires JoyfulPaintings for Dr. Kristin Cooney

Dr. Kristin Cooney with a painting sheexhibited at Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery inAlpharetta during a 2011 Village Art Show.

Dr. Kristin Cooney with her husband, Ed and “muses” Maggie, Erin, and Matthew.

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GDA Action November 2011

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Transcript of GDA Action November 2011